Long-term Project Burnout

Sometimes, when we tackle a large project that will take many days or weeks, we can begin to feel burnout. We lose enthusiasm for the task, and the monotony of working on the same thing every day can wear on us.

If you feel this way, might I suggest a palate cleanser? In this instance, a palette cleanser is a small project that can be finished in a day or two. Preferably, it should be something you're excited to do but have been waiting to start until after you finish The Project.

Working on something entirely different, especially one that utilizes a different crafting technique altogether, can feel like a breath of fresh air after being cooped up inside all day.

In mid-February, I felt this way about The Quilt Mending Project. Hand-felling edge after final edge on a king-sized quilt day after day was sapping my joy for the project.

I decided to create something I'd wished I'd had a few days prior. I had begun to read Half Arse Human by Leena Norms and wished I had a pen(cil) holder that I could attach to the book for quick note taking. Here's what I gleefully "half arsed" together:

There's no pattern to share here, in case you're wondering. I knitted a length of 2x2 rib, lined it with a scrap of jean fabric, folded it a distance leaving a flap for closure, sewed up the sides, stitched on a button, sewed a length of elastic to the back side, and ta-da!

To say I was mighty pleased with myself would be an understatement. Even though I haven't knitted in a few years and am terrible at hand sewing, it was exactly what I needed. It gave me a delightful creative break from The Project, and I had something I wanted without spending money because I used things lying about my craft space.

If your Project no longer brings you joy, don't push through just to get it done and out of the way. Take a break to refresh your creative palate. This way, you'll enjoy The Project the whole way through.